Maternal reactions to involuntary fetal/infant death.

While there is a growing body of literature describing the impact of infant loss on mothers, many effects have yet to be reported and many questions have yet to be asked. Indeed, given the nature and frequency of infant loss and the relatively few research endeavors, maternal grief is an area for pioneering investigations. How does a mother respond to the loss of a neonate, to a stillbirth, or to a miscarriage? Are there similarities as well as differences in mothers' reactions to these various types of loss? What kind of psychological, emotional, and social problems do these mothers face? Few investigators have addressed this topic and its attendant questions.